FORT SHAFTER — When new recruits go through the Army’s basic training, they learn that their job in the Army is being a Soldier.

Maj. Gen. Michael J. Terry, commander, 8th Theater Sustainment Command, has implemented a program to help the Soldiers within his command get back to the basics of being a Soldier.

According to a memorandum from Terry, the Junior Leader Certification program’s philosophy states the most enduring impact on someone, as a leader today, is the development of future leaders.

“We must ensure our junior leaders are given the tools they need to lead our formations through the challenges of full-spectrum operations in an era of persistent conflict,” states Terry’s memo. “The 8th TSC Junior Leader Certification program requires junior leaders be trained and certified in basic skills, and subordinate units identify additional requirements that focus on specific military occupational specialty skills required for junior leaders.”

As part of the certification, 8th TSC Soldiers will complete all of the warrior tasks: shooting, moving, communicating, adapting and surviving; counseling subordinates; being certified as a combat lifesaver; becoming certified in level one combatives; and completing a 12-mile foot march with a rucksack in less than four hours.

Also, junior leaders will complete a four-mile run in less than 36 minutes, which Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 8th Special Troops Battalion, 8th TSC, completed Jan. 18.

“As part of Terry’s Junior Leader Certification program, we will conduct at least one four-mile timed run a month, throughout the year,” said 1st Sgt. Zelon Odom, first sergeant, HHC, 8th STB. “Terry wants us to get back to the basics. He wants to see professional growth and high performance from his leaders.”

“Our organization will improve by seeking and executing training for our leaders that will allow them to grow professionally, while progressing towards collective and multi-echelon events that enable the battalion to take its next big steps to becoming the best at what it does,” wrote Lt. Col. Matthew Goodman, commander, 8th STB, in a memorandum about the Junior Leaders Certification program.

“Soldiers expect that their officers and noncommissioned officers strive to train hard, work smart and take care of them,” Goodman concluded. We will remain focused on these areas to provide the leadership and training they deserve. We remain ‘always ready’ and committed to meet the demands of the 8th TSC in full-spectrum challenges across the Pacific Theater.”